Dedicated to gravestone research and photography, personal family history, technology and research ideas. Guided by my inner light, I strive to help others enjoy their ancestors. Charter Member of the Gravestone Rabbits.

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

A long time ago, I read about using tomato stakes to temporarily mark gravestones in a cemetery while taking photographs. I decided that this might be a good idea for marking "stops" on a gravestone tour in a cemetery, so I decided to try it.

I purchased some Styrofoam balls and inexpensive children's neon paint at Walmart. I used some wooden skewers to put the balls on so that I could paint a couple coats on them. Hubs found a piece of Styrofoam on a cardboard box.

When they were dry overnight, I put on a second coat. I bought some plastic tape to tape the stick and the Styrofoam ball to the stake. (However, the stake is pointed at one end so I may not have to tape each one. )

As you can see, this does make each gravestone to be looked at stand out. The slate markers in the Old Common Cemetery are all dark and look very much alike.

I can think of two uses for that system. I know you used it for another purpose.

My two thoughts were 1) "I have taken pictures of this row, on to the next row. and 2) Use is for a reference point, for a known headstone, to take a closer photo of a target headstone, to help visually put the target headstone in relationship with the marker.

Actually another thought. One Marker at a distance to where another same surname headstone is located, and take a picture.

I generally take a close up of the headstone, as you do, and take one that shows me what is in the background, to help me find THAT headstone again. This kind of marker might be able to help.

Author of this Blog

Retired professional genealogist specializing in gravestone photography, cemetery research and technology as it applies to genealogy. Author or co-author of ten books on educational technology and avid reader of mystery e-books. Wife, mother and grandmother too.